Canon significantly improves EOS 7D with firmware v2

Canon has announced a firmware update that will add a series of features to the EOS 7D. In an unusual move for a camera that has been on the market for almost three years, Canon is performing the most comprehensive firmware upgrade we can remember. This includes improved continuous-shooting buffer depth (to 25 Raws, up from the original 15), customizable Auto ISO, control of audio recording level for video and the ability to re-process Raws and rate images in-camera. The update will also enable the use of the GP-E2 GPS module. It will be available from August 2012.

Press Release:

Enhanced with you in mind – Canon adds a range of new features to the EOS 7D

London, UK, 28 June 2012 – Canon today enhances the EOS 7D with firmware v2, adding a range of new features for enthusiasts looking to push the limits of their photography. Building on the camera's high speed, advanced handling and creative versatility, the new firmware provides photographers with a host of new benefits including higher maximum RAW burst rate, in-camera editing functions, user-definable Auto ISO and support for Canon's latest GPS Receiver, GP-E2.

Originally launched in 2009, the EOS 7D was carefully developed based on the feedback from thousands of photographers from across the globe. Offering the perfect combination of outstanding image quality and exceptional versatility across a range of photography styles, even today it is still considered to be one of the best APS-C cameras on the market. When developing the new firmware Canon followed a similar approach, gaining direct user feedback to bring the EOS 7D up to date with enhanced performance and a greater range of shooting capabilities and creative functionality.

Enhanced RAW performance

With an 18 Megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, Dual "DIGIC 4" processors and an extended maximum ISO of 12,800, the EOS 7D offers fast, high-quality shooting at speeds of up to 8 frames per second. Thanks to the new firmware which adds powerful memory management algorithms taken from Canon's flagship EOS-1 series, photographers will now be able to enjoy greater flexibility in continuous shooting, with the maximum RAW buffer now extended to a new high of 25 RAW files or 130 JPEGs. Combining with the camera's high 18MP resolution and 14-bit image processing, this will allow photographers to capture the decisive moment with rich detailed images.

In-camera image editing and rating

A range of newly-added editing functions also gives photographers more control over how images look, allowing post-production to begin in-camera. Photographers can now process their RAW files and correct artefacts such as peripheral illumination, distortion and chromatic aberration. Additionally, adjustments to white balance, sharpness and Picture Style, as well as a host of other parameters, can now also be made immediately after shooting, with the results saved as new JPEG files. JPEGs can also be instantly resized, without the need for a PC or Mac.

Photographers can now easily filter large volumes of pictures on their way back from a shoot using an image rating facility. Image rating data is stored in each file's metadata, which can be read by a range of editing applications, including Canon Digital Photo Professional, and other industry software such as Apple Aperture, Adobe Lightroom and Bridge.

Extra control in stills and movies

The EOS 7D's new firmware provides extended versatility across both stills and movies. Newly-added control of Auto ISO enables photographers to limit the maximum ISO speed to any point within the native ISO 400-6,400 range. Offering greater control over exposure, this will enable photographers to customise the maximum automatic ISO speed to suit their personal preferences, or to adjust parameters in different situations to meet specific creative goals.

Improved audio functionality in movie mode also provides aspiring videographers with greater control while shooting videos. Users can complement the camera's Full HD (1920x1080p) movie footage with 16-bit digital stereo sound, sampled at broadcastquality 48KHz, and new manual control of audio levels allows users to choose from 64 sound levels. A digital wind-cut filter also reduces noise made by movement of air around the microphone, ensuring sound is clear and free from peripheral interference.

Track your travels with GPS compatibility

Firmware v2 also provides added capacity for users to track the location of their images with new support for the GPS Receiver GP-E2 – Canon's latest high-performance GPS unit. The GP-E2 is attached securely to the hotshoe, and connected to the camera via a cable, making it easy for EOS 7D photographers to geo-tag photos with longitude, latitude and altitude data as well as the direction in which the shot was taken – adding the information to the EXIF file of the image1. A GPS Logger tracks movements by downloading GPS data at regular intervals, and compatibility with Google Maps means users can easily view their route in Canon's free Map Utility software.

Comments

Well this has been a long time coming. I suspect they noticed the higher number of second hand sales of this model as a result of the non-adjustable Auto settings. For those that don't bother to learn how to use manual mode, I think this was a show stopper for them. I use both, but have been forced to use manual in more situations than I ever did with my old 400D. Someone mentioned Toyota below. Canon and Toyota have a propensity for controlling the end use experience to a fault, which is why this release is going to be well received. Now, if they would just work on giving us more flexibility to program our cameras, i.e. built in time lapse, 100% assignable buttons, etc.

While one may think that Canon is being cynical in trying to drive sales of the &D in front of a new replacement, I say so what. Canon releases an 'upgrade' to a camera and all some of us can do is complain about it or say Nikon or Sony is better.

Owners of the 7D should be relatively happy about the upgrade. I am pleased that Canon has shown a new side of corporate support for existing customers. With 99% of all firmware upgrades being patches for problems, this is that rare time when a company proves that it wants to keep it customer base happy.

I have many Canon lenses and don't relish the idea of changing brands because Nikon or Sony has some new whiz-bang capability that I will not use. BTW, I do own a Nikon DSLR and a Fuji S5 Pro that I use for photomicrography on a Ziess microscope. I also have adapted some of my older Canon bodies for astrophotography.

I've read quite a few comments that this is proof Canon won't be releasing a replacement camera any time soon. One comment stated they don't make any money by releasing a firmware update so this can only be goodwill from Canon. I have a suspicion such statements are incorrect though.

With Photokina right around the corner, consumers are more likely to take a wait and see approach rather than buy anything right now. I know this because I'm currently doing it, as I'm sure many are. Thus releasing new firmware, especially one that boosts both features and performance, actually makes sense. Canon doesn't want people to wait, especially if they do have a 7d2 all ready to go. They want consumers to keep buying in spite of the fact a new model might be announced in September.

The timing of this firmware release is perfect when viewed in that light. Three years and they couldn't have released it sooner? It has to be a tactic, especially with competition heating up from the other vendors.

I think some of the firmware features will be useful, I like the adjustable audio recording level and the picture resizing ability.

What will Canon do about the focusing issues that many 7D owners are facing? There are many threads on this subject and several people are convinced it is not the way the user shoots or their settings.

This issue dates back to 2009 when the camera was new and still to this day.

No matter what camera is on the market there are those who will complain about focusing, speed, etc. Blame the camera all day long; photography education can probably help with most of those so called camera focus issues.

The issue with focusing problems is real. I own a 7D. It is not a question of user error, but of repeatability and reliability of the focusing system. If I have time, I focus twice in one shot mode and am generally fine. If you have to rely on the focus being correct the first time, you will face the problems several users have reported.

It seems to me that the focusing sensor has too much noise in the output, thus the chance of incorrect focusing is higher than it should be. This is more of an issue the further the lens is focused away from where it should focus. Canon could probably reduce the issue by either increasing the exposure time of the focusing sensor or averaging over several readouts. Perhaps this should be an option, as it would reduce the focusing speed overall, but still for me that would be better than always having to focus twice.

I will also confirm that the focusing issue is very real. I owned a 7D for a couple of years and finally gave up on it. Unfortunately, the lack of a dependable body option at this particular price point has made staying with Canon rather painful for me as a sports photographer but selling everything and moving to Nikon would be even more painful so all I can do is hope that Canon will address this issue in the 2nd iteration. I have no cudos for Canon b/c despite the well documented focusing issues on the 7D they have refused to acknowledge it as a defect. Perhaps the newer versions are better but the early versions definitely had problems.

I've had two of the 7Ds. Sold the first after 10K shutter count and couldn't get the focus issue resolved. Have had the 40D and 5DII with NO issues.Check the comparison images between the 5DIII, 5DII and the 7D. Move the image box in the main image to the Queen of Hearts and Gray Scale chart.You will see that the 7D was back focusing, even for DP Review, they just didn't see it. Those objects are as sharp as a tack, but the images in the foreground the Bailey's Bottle and the Martini Bottle are sharp for the 5DII and the 5DIII because that's where the focus was. The 7D as far as I can tell is just as sharp, but it is back focused.

Just because some photographers are NOT plagued by this problem does NOT mean it doesn't exist.

I happy about the improved extended burst rate and the manual audio recording controls. I could have used the extended burst mode earlier this spring with photographing batters at ballgames.

What I would appreciate from Canon is a loyalty program similar to loyalty programs offered by automotive companies like Toyota or Ford. When it comes time to upgrade, a loyalty program could offer exclusive rebates on new camera bodies for existing registered Canon owners. It would make upgrading less painful. Just my IMHO.

Where's the update? Oh, its like the virtual 1DX - it's a virtual update! Announce and then everyone fantasizes and drools over the new features. No bugs, no blocked servers, and every feature we could ever dream of! Brilliant!!!

Nice that Canon is throwing a bone to 7D users, who cannot use Magic Lantern. ML has all these "new" features plus hundreds more, and is available on every Canon camera from the last few years - except the 7D.

Manual audio!!! Faster RAW burst Rate!!! That they are updating the firmware 3 years down the line shows how much they love this camera and appreciate it's owners. Canon could have just told us to buy the 7D Mk II.

Well, yep - I have always wanted a 7D since it was brand new - the new features are welcome - however I don't feel Canon are being kind - they just know that sales of the 7D have dipped and will continue to drop as newer DSLR's come on stream - I think it's also an indication that the 7D2 is months away so Canon are doing what they can to keep sales up. Frankly I'd had been far more impressed if they had done this 12 months ago, today it is a sign of weakness nothing else.

That's a very very good news to 7D users! It's great that Canon provided improvements that are really useful... I wish Pentax would do the same, or at least enabling the K-7 to use the GPS module O-GPS1...

Speaking as a prospective 7D owner I welcome the new features - the audio level control is great - but why now? Canon could have done all of this 12 months ago but I'm guessing wished to protect sales of the 5D2 (for video use) I'm certain many 7D sales either went up to the 5D2 or down to the 600D - so thanks a lot Canon but your timing is crap.

The reason for a lot of people being critical about this update is that those of us that have been shooting with Canon for a long time know that they are just buying time with this upgrade. They are either preparing to release an updated model or phasing the 7D out. They have not addressed any of the major complaints that users have had with the camera like focusing issues and ISO/noise performance. There is nothing wrong with consumers expectations being high, particularly when the competitions continues to push the ball forward.

Releasing a major firmware update for a 3 y/o product? Great way to improve reputation of a good investment. Well done, Canon!And I bet it was not even very expensive, just back-porting some features from firmwares of their newer cameras. Others should learn not to fleece their customers by requiring buying new bodies just to get a few software enhancements.

I totally agree - I think canon has been holding this update back for a while (which is a shame) as they did not wish to damage sales of the 5D2, however with newer DSLR's such as the 650D having the promise of AF on VID Canon needed to do something. I expect that the 7D2 is at least 12 months away by which time the AF VID mode should be far better than the 1st gen as used in the 650D.

The bigger question is what has Nikon got planned and will it be out before the 7D2?

Why another announcement weeks before release? Now even with something minor like a firmware update, even when it will a lot of new stuff to the 7D.When I read about a firmware upgrade, I'd like to install it right away or at least some days later, but not wait for almost two months.

I suspect that Canon has too few production power for new 7D model launch, although I think, that there may be problems with sells of already produced 7D's because of newer models. So it's logical step to refresh an old model via firmware.

Well done to canon. They have extended the life of this model. They has also extended the value of this model for current users. The jam is in the lenses as one changes bodies regularly. The users of this camera normally don't just have kit lenses and canon want to keep them. Canon will come out with new models but this upgrade will keep a few users from making hasty decisions. I Think we will see canon enter the mirror less market in a big way the signs are there. 4/3 dimensional sensor , pancake lens , on senor PDAF. Canon have been watching the mirror less market and will not make the same mistakes that a few other companies did.

With this type of upgrade to existing products would it not make you think canon when you buy a system and maybe chose the brand ?

Its a fascinating time. There are certainly more hints at mirrorless tech coming soon. Canon either has no plans for a 7D replacement, or the plans they do have have been delayed. The 7D is still high in its class so no need to replace it, and this is a good "reward" to current customers.

With all those million dollar algorithms and super fast processors coming as a freebie, how about something mind-blowingly trivial: a interval timer for timelapse photography? No, instead we have to pay a lot of extra money for a not very small and light bit of kit. What a pain! The argument that few people use that feature is poor - there are many features on every camera and every computer and every piece of sophisticated software that few people use, but they are very important to the ones that do!

i'm with you on this. but rather than waiting for a firmware update that would never come, i popped over to ebay and got a chinese widget for about 25bucks. looks suspicously like the canon original and works perfectly. ;o)

great camera, nice update. but there isn't really much to offer now coming from Canon. just extending the shelf life and price of the 7D. action photography, wildlife, this camera is a hit. IQ is well behind the competition. Canon, work you ass off quickly.

Maybe the improving of max. burst speed in RAW has something to do with the speed of the external memory cards which are being used. In 2 or 3 years the max speed of CF cards have been improved. Maybe thats why it now can go up to 25 pictures in RAW.

Why oh why did it take so long for Canon to add some of these features to the 7D? It is appreciated by really late in the product life cycle.

Maybe its a way to prepare us for the next generation 7D, more features, a better sensor, faster 10 fps and a price point to rival the 5DIII, $2999.99. I'm speculating Canon want to put a very similar 64 point AF in the 7DII to make it as good as.

Curiosity: I have a quad core PC (for games). It is already 4 years old. Video card can operate under DX10, but not DX11 etc. However, I am able to play all the games in HD resolution and all details set on max, without a noticeable FPS penalty. So, the hardware(when I assembled my PC) was far ahead of software. If this is the case for 7D (which btw I own), then...is this upgrade ambitious enough? Just asking. Cheers! :)

I'm in the exact same boat. Love the 7D...however, I've been switching off with my grandpa's D7000, and I gotta say, Nikon does produce a very technical silent shooter. Very excited about this update btw.

Wow now thats a decent firmware update! I used to shoot on a 60D and have reeeeeeally been missing the max ISO setting, in a couple of cases I went back to using it just for that feature. Likewise with video and the audio adjustments. Now I get both plus other goodies? Canon I applaud you!

I would answer you Dianoda, but I didn't see your post because I had Comments turned off.Can't wait to get the firmware loaded on my camera. Loving the impoved max burst and the max ISO setting. Thank you Canon!

and thank YOU for bringing some sanity and light back into this room full of miserable moaning ingrates. perhaps all the woebegotten trolls can go and take some pictures for once. canon is not your evil ex girlfriend..!

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